BACKGROUND: First activated on the 1st of September, 1941, as the V Air Support Command, it was re-designated the 9th Air Force in April, 1942. They first participated in the Middle East and the invasions of Sicily and Italy before transferring to England in October, 1943, to participate in the Normandy invasion and the rest of the war in Europe till VE-Day. Of Note: Orange and blue were the colors of the Army Air Force and the star was the symbol that was used to mark aircraft in the early stages of the war.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A 6.5cm x 6.5cm machine embroidered, shield shaped patch, showing a set of silver-white wings extending up from an orange circle which has a red "9" to its center. Between the upraised wings is a silver-white five pointed star, with a red circle to its center.